LibriVox recording of Rookwood, by William Harrison Ainsworth. Read by Paul Curran.

A rich and complex historical Gothic-Adventure story centring on the murky deeds of an ancient family. It is a wonderfully atmospheric piece that combines narrative, poetry, song, and descriptive writing to great effect. The character of Dick Turpin that we know today - the dashing highwaymen and unmatched horseman - can be said to stem directly from this novel, as the most famous part of the book (often published on its own in the past), Turpin's Ride To York, is devoted to him. Although seemingly little known to a modern audience, Ainsworth's 'Rookwood' gave the world the image of the highwayman with which we are all so familiar. (Summary by paulc)

For more free audio books or to become a volunteer reader, visit LibriVox.org.

M4B format available


This audio is part of the collection: The LibriVox Free Audiobook Collection
It also belongs to collections: Audio Books & Poetry; Community Audio

Artist/Composer: William Harrison Ainsworth
Date: 2008-05-04
Source: Librivox recording of a public-domain text
Keywords: librivox; audiobook; literature; gothic; adventure; highwayman; dick turpin;

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

Individual Files

Write a review
Downloaded 22,577 times Reviews
Average Rating:

Reviewer: TheBookworm - - June 9, 2008
Subject: 17 hours of gothic suspense!
A fine dramatic reading of this forgotten gothic novel.

Bravo Paul Curran! One can only imagine how long this must have taken to record and edit. And bravo/brava LibriVox for bring us this great (and very long) book free and for nothing. The MP3 file is unusually clean and free of background noise and sound artifacts. (TheBookworm, Manchester, UK)

Reviewer: alamedared - - May 11, 2008
Subject: Ten Stars
Where have you been all my life, dear author? Too long have your books lain undiscovered. I am so glad that Librivox brought you to light.

I have listened to "Rookwood" twice already and can't wait to do so again. The lush richness of the prose is unforgettable. The little song/verses,priceless. Thanks so much Librivoz!!!

A merry toast to Ainsworth and reader Paul Curran.
10 Stars